Big Bear gets 3 feet + of fresh January snow

Big Bear Lake, Calif., Tuesday January 4, 2005 — Another large winter storm has pounded Big Bear Mountain Resorts (BBMR) bringing an additional 14 inches of fresh powder to the slopes taking the week long storm totals to well over three feet. There is no end in sight as more storms take aim at Southern California. Cold temperatures almost all season long have created very good snowmaking conditions helping to build a solid base of 28-48 inches. Snow Summit Mountain Resort (Snow Summit) and Bear Mountain Resort (Bear Mountain) are now 100-percent open including Bear Mountain’s over 550 acres of wide open glades in Deer, Goldmine and Bow Canyons. “We are having an unbelievable season with natural snowfall and it is really exciting to have the Canyons open this early in the season. With the canyons open Bear Mountain really becomes comparable to a powder day at almost any big mountain across the country. There are some hidden gems at Snow Summit as well with several snow filled tree lines. We are setup to have one of the best ski seasons since the big El Nino year in 97/98 (7 years) at BBMR, said Brent Tregaskis, General Manager for Bear Mountain. Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to get up to Big Bear and take advantage of all the fresh powder.

The Park at Bear Mountain is getting a post holiday facelift and expansion. The Park build-up will include new jibs and jumps on several additional runs including new advanced jump lines on Gambler and Gold Rush and a junkyard park on Cascade. The only Superpipe in Southern California is also under construction and expected to open within the next few days. The Park Westridge at Snow Summit is open top-to-bottom and will get an overhaul with more jumps, rails and boxes. Beginner programs at both resorts are in full operation offering great lesson packages for all ages of snowsport enthusiasts. Expertly groomed and powder packed steeps are looking good at the resorts, runs like Quicksilver and Geronimo at Bear Mountain and Olympic and Side Shoot at Snow Summit are ready to be carved up. Snow Summit night sessions are available on Friday and Saturday’s (3:00 to 9:30 p.m.) weather and conditions permitting. BBMR recommends checking with Caltrans at 800-427-7623 for the latest road conditions before heading to the mountains and always carry chains in the winter. Ticket reservations are highly recommended for weekends and can be made by calling 909-866-5841 or online at www.bigbearmountainresorts.com. For the 24-hour snow report, call 800-BEAR-MTN or visit the website.